Maldivian delivers 3.8 tonnes of essential goods to Sri Lanka

The national airline Maldivian has dispatched 3.8 tonnes of essential items to neighboring Sri Lanka to support communities affected by cyclone Ditwah, which struck in late November.  

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Maldivian said the aid is being delivered in collaboration with Mahaldeeb Foundation and Meegaath Hajj and Umrah Group.  

The airline confirmed that the shipment of basic relief supplies is part of its broader effort to assist Sri Lanka during this humanitarian crisis.  

Standing with Sri Lanka, together. ???????? ????????

The Mahaldeeb Foundation, Meegaath and Maldivian have joined together to transport essential goods in support of ongoing relief efforts in Sri Lanka.#Maldivianaero pic.twitter.com/VBevZRIJU9

— MaldivianAero (@MaldivianAero) December 7, 2025

Maldives has provided the largest amount of aid to Sri Lanka in the wake of the disaster. Of the USD 6.5 million received from various countries, international agencies and private donors, Maldives contributed USD 2.4 million, surpassing the assistance pledged by both the United States and China.  

Sri Lankan newspapers reported the aid figures on Saturday, while on Sunday Universal Enterprises confirmed its donation. The company, which supports both tourism and education, also funds scholarships for higher education and provides assistance in other areas.  

Foremost in humanitarian services, Sun Siyam Group pledged USD 200,000 to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from cyclone Ditwah, with the first installment of USD 75,000 handed over on 30 November.  

Group founder Ahmed Siyam Mohamed personally presented the symbolic cheque to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Maldives. He has also issued special instructions to all Sun Siyam companies to actively engage in fundraising initiatives for Sri Lanka.  

As part of this effort, fund boxes have been placed at the Sun Siyam head office and across the Group’s five resorts in Sri Lanka, Siyam World, Irufushi, Vilu Reef, Iruveli, and Olhuveli, as well as at the Sun Siyam Media office.  

The campaign officially began on Monday, and donations are already being collected.  

While the Maldivian government donated USD 50,000, the Ceylon aaeku Dhivehin telethon, initiated nationally by Public Service Media (PSM) in collaboration with many outlets, alone raised USD 800,000. In addition, Maldives has provided USD 2.4 million in aid from private businesses and the public.  

The United States is the second‑largest donor, providing USD 2 million in emergency aid, while China contributed USD 1.1 million. The Sri Lankan government estimates reconstruction will cost about USD 7 billion.  

It is noteworthy that Sri Lankans living in Maldives held a huge rally on Friday evening to thank Maldives for its assistance. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Maldives Mohamed Rizvi Hassen also attended the event. Many expressed gratitude with Sri Lankan and Maldivian flags and banners, saying Maldivians are very dear to them.  

In addition to cash aid, Maldives has handed over 25,000 cases of canned fish to Sri Lanka.